Black History Month
Our classes have incorporated Black History within the context of their curriculum, not only for this month, which is Black History Month, but throughout the school year. With this in mind, Ms. Cody has been reading a book each week that honors and celebrates Black history during the third grade Library Period. Additional books are available for the students to read or borrow. Books have included Henry's Freedom Box: A True Story from the Underground Railroad, The First Step: How One Girl Put Segregation on Trial and Shirley Chisholm is a Verb!
Before beginning the reading, Ms. Cody talked with the class about Black History Month and why it is important, but not separate. The students had many good thoughts to share and examples of people to honor. The selection of books that Ms. Cody read, and the vast array of additional books available in the library, give students a chance to learn about the struggles and achievements throughout our Black History.
Currently, in 5th grade, Ms. Cummings and the students are honoring the triumphs and achievements of the African heritage community. They learned a poem by Maya Angelou and studied prominent historical biographies. They began working on "collaborative art" with each student creating a section of a portrait of a notable historic figure. When the sections were brought together, the full image emerged. These collaborative murals (see above photo) have included Martin Luther King, Rosa Parks and Maya Angelou. While they are drawing, Ms. Cummings is reading to them from A Child's Introduction to African American History: The Experiences, People, and Events That Shaped Our Country.
Black History Month is not meant to separate Black history from American history, but to highlight people, events and books that offer an honest look at that history as well as the contributions of African Americans, past and present, because historically, they have not always been included. Black history is American History and it is our history.
Resources to share with your family:
Center for Racial Justice resources guide for educators and families
Black History Month: Celebrating Black Voices in Food and Farming
5 New Books on Black History from Facing History and Ourselves
I Am the Bridge
by Carole Boston Weatherford
The bridge is men and women, famous and unknown,
leaving paths of memories, timeless stepping stones.
I follow in the shadows of heroes without names
and keep the faith of elders who lean on hickory canes.
I hear the beat of Africa drumming deep within,
bear the scar of slavery beneath my ebony skin.
I stand with valiant soldiers who claim the victory
and jump in jubilation with slaves at long last free.
I rest on sturdy shoulders of farmers greeting dawn,
carry on the handiwork of simple folk long gone.
I savor soulful flavors that simmer way down South
and take to heart the stories passed down by word of mouth.
I dance to rap and doo-wop and songs that jazz bands play,
I shout with gospel choirs, kneel down in church to pray.
I heed the words of protests that leaders dare to speak;
I march with many thousands, take my struggle to the street.
The river to tomorrow is as long as it is wide;
the bridge will get me over, see me to the other side.
The past is the foundation, the future the next span.
We'll bridge the mighty river; brothers, sisters, hand in hand.
From Remember the Bridge: Poems of a People
By Carole Boston Weatherford, 2002
Black History Month Collaborative Murals By Our Fifth Grade